The Power of Communities in Smart Urban Development

Concept of smart city highlights the community as an integral part of sustainable socio-economic urban development. By the example of medium-sized city Banska Bystrica in Slovakia, the paper investigates the structure, role and position of communities in the life of the future smart city. Data set contains six smart city characteristics broken down into 27 indicators and primary and secondary information reached from communities in the form of civic organizations, NGO's, foundations and community centers. The main output of the paper is a definition of different communities’ structures covering and integrating the various areas of life in the city within theoretical and conceptual framework of smart cities. Empirical research results reveal the power of communities in smart urban development. Paper outlines possible future steps in development of smart city co-created by policy and decision-makers, city authorities and all relevant stakeholders including communities.